Bunnahabhain Whisky Sample 2008 11 Year Old Manzanilla Cask Limited Edition 2020 Release (30ml, 52.3%)

Bunnahabhain Whisky Sample 2008 11 Year Old Manzanilla Cask Limited Edition 2020 Release (30ml, 52.3%)

Creates a natural synergy with Bunnahabhain’s unpeated, coastal spirit.

This limited edition was distilled in 2008 and matured for 11 years in Manzanilla Sherry Butts. This specific cask type is a "hidden gem" for unpeated Islay malts. Because Manzanilla is naturally drier and more saline than other sherries, it doesn't coat the spirit in thick sugar; instead, it polishes the malt's coastal edges and adds a savory, nutty complexity.Bottled at a cask strength of 52.3%, it is a bright, maritime powerhouse.

Tasting Notes

Nose: The initial aroma is a rich blend of salted caramel and honeyed cashew nuts. It develops with notes of creamy berries, dried sultanas, and a distinct maritime "sea spray" character. There is a deep, slightly savory undertone of toasted oak and a hint of festive spice, like nutmeg and cinnamon.

Palate: The mouthfeel is thick and oily. It leads with a concentrated sweetness of dried figs, dates, and toffee, which is quickly balanced by the Manzanilla’s signature dry salinity. Mid-palate, you'll find layers of dark chocolate, sweet maltiness, and a touch of roasted almonds. It manages to be both rich and remarkably fresh.

Finish: Long and warming with a beautiful sweet-and-salty tug-of-war. The dried fruit notes linger alongside a final flourish of salted caramel, leather, and a gentle, dry oak tannin that provides a clean conclusion.

Fun Fact: While many sherry-matured whiskies use Oloroso or Pedro Ximénez casks for their heavy fruit and sugar content, Bunnahabhain chose Manzanilla for this release specifically to highlight the "coastal" DNA of the distillery.Because Manzanilla is aged under a layer of yeast (flor) in a humid, seaside environment, it imparts a nutty, saline crispness that mirrors the air in the Bunnahabhain warehouses.